Those African Chicks - Exploring Identities Of African Women

Faith x Threads is a faith based apparel company operated out of London by two Nigerian sisters. Their company is committed to changing the conversation and inspiring the next generation to rep the gospel in every way. In this episode, I catch up with the co-founders Temi and Temi – not a typo and we discuss all manner of deliciousness around running a business, being a Nigerian abroad, the Nigerian approach to Christianity and loads more. We do a deeper dive into the: Process of building a very niche business The challenges and triumphs of being a African running a business in the United Kingdom Parenting, Entrepreneurship and the importance of hustle and grit   Connect with the  Temi and Temi Website – FaithXThreads Instagram  - Faith x Threads   In the meantime , come hang out with us! Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library

Tommie Edwards, is a Nigerian UK based on black woman in Tech who has spent most her career optimizing business processes and building applications. In today's episode, Tommie takes us behind the scenes of the intricacies of running a tech startup. Her startup EventBree is a platform designed to solve all of the needs of your event from the comfort your home or mobile device.  Tommie shares her experiences as a professional in the tech industry as a woman, mother and entrepreneur. She shares her perspective on:  - The importance of reverse engineering an idea - Leveraging data to make informed decisions and how identifying and solving - How identifying and solving a problem is the secret sauce to turning profit.  Connect With Tommie Here  Website -Tommie Edwards Instagram -  @tommiedwards   Let’s Hang Out!  Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library  

Rita is the ultimate Corporate Black Girl. Not only is she providing spaces for enhancing Black women's professional lives and experiences in the corporate world with her business Corporate Black Girl 101 ,  she also runs a tech space, startup, and a hotel. She does all of it all with the remarkable resilience and spiritedness  How she was able to lift herself out of unemployment and depression The power of spirituality as a means of motivation The ultimate career blueprint, how to set yourself in the market place and land the job of your dreams Connect with  Rita here     Website – Corporate Black Girls 101 Instagram - @CorporateBlackGirl101 Facebook Group – Building You Foundation– Corporate Black Girl   Let’s Hang Out! Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library

This episode with the founder and Cohost of The Adventures from the bedrooms of African Women platform and TV. The platform created over a decade ago as a safe space where African women could talk and learn about sex in a positive way.   In this episode, the two sex positivity advocates share their knowledge on “Fauxnogamy”, a term coined by Kobby Graham which succinctly describe the pretense of being in a monogamous relationship Fetishization of Interracial relationships in Africa The rise of intergenerational relationship with African women   Connect with Nana & Famia    Website - The Adventures from the bedrooms of African Women Facebook Channel – Adventures From TV Instagram - @dfordarkoa   Let’s Hang Out ! Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks  Edited & Produced – Podcast Maven Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library

This episode is with the Nigerian American Journalist Chika Oduah. She is known for her fearless coverage of the 276 kidnapped Chibok girls by the Northern Nigeria terrorist group Boko Haram. What makes Chika remarkable is that she was down in the field by herself getting real-life coverage of the story. Her work has been covered on CNN, Aljazeera, BBC, MSNBS, National Geographic to name a few. Chika is currently working on a book and documentary about her encounter and findings in Chibok. The documentary premiered in Abuja in Dec 2018 and is scheduled for a release in late 2019. In this episode, she shares Her coverage of Boko Haram and how she got the assignment The stories of some of the women who are married to the Boko Haram soldiers The face and state of religion in Africa   Be sure to connect with Chika Website – Chika Oduah Instagram – chika_the_explorer Twitter – @chikaoduah Boko Haram Report   Let’s Hang Out! Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks Website - www.thoseafricanchicks.com  Edited & Produc

Subscribe  - Apple Podcast &  Stitcher    With the way creativity and creatives are being peddled on the internet today, I really wanted to bring in someone who to me harnessed creativity and her creations in a real and pure way and that person is none other than Data Oh! Today’s episode is with Data Oruwari, Data is a Lawyer, tech girl,  sculptor, artist who produces one of the most remarkable and dynamic works I have ever seen. I catch up with the multi-talented UX designer amidst her busy travel schedule and we talk about : - The importance of making space of creativity - How she has learned to embrace failure - The mysticism and intersectionality that inspires the art she produces - Being shortlisted alongside 194 other artists By the Government of Egypt This is an episode you definitely want to listen to. I adored Data’s candor about work, life and the ability to respond to life’s nuances.   Connect with Data Her  Work  Instagram @data_Oh   Also, let’s Hang Out! Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks Websi

In this episode, I catch up with Mona Zutshi Opubor, an Editor and Featured Columnist for Lost In Lagos Magazine. Mona is an American woman living and raising her family in Lagos. What makes Mona’s story so intriguing is her decision to legally become Nigerian. Mona shares the journey of how she ended up in Nigeria in the first place; and how leaving comforts of her life in New Jersey for an adventure in the unknown territories of West Africa would change her life in unexpected ways. In our conversation, we go in to:   - What led to her deciding to go through the rigorous process to acquiring Nigeria citizenship - Navigating the intricacies of being a foreign wife in Nigeria and the Nigerian wives community she is a part of - The challenges and triumphs of raising culturally aware cross-cultural children - Her evolution and growth once she stopped resisting and fully leaned into the move - How she is able to wonderfully weave in all of the three cultures she and her family are a part of in their everyday live

This week’s episode is the amazing millennial co-founder of Tonl,  a platform committed to transforming the stock photography industry by displaying images of diverse people and their stories around the world.   Karen and Joshua, have been very intentional about their entrance into the stock photography world that they have been featured in all of the reputable digital publication from Forbes, Create & Cultivate, Popsugar, NPR, to OkayAfricaand the list goes on. In their short lifespan, Tonl has worked with Google Chrome book, Adobe to mention a couple.   In this episode, we talk about:   The genesis of Tonl How the killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile and the misrepresentation and false stories being portrayed of them sparked the additional onset of TONL How to run an intentional digital business How remaining a student will set you up for success Importance of understanding your industry How to work with and understand a Co-Founder How having the correct marketing plan and PR will set yo

This week’s episode is about peeling back the layers of running a highly successful women-centered business. I catch up with Afua Osei, Co-Founder She Lead Africa, a digital company committed to improving access and opportunities for African women. In this episode, Afua demystifies the complexities of running a business. We talk about: The importance of grit and mindset Her move from the US to Lagos, Accra & Johannesburg during the early stages of SLA The triumphs and challenges of running a business in Africa The importance of building networks and allies who will advocate for you as you start and manage a business  If you have enjoyed this episode, which I am sure you have, be sure to share and subscribe   Connect With Afua Website - Afua Osei Coaching Services with Afua   Website - She Leads Africa    Instagram – She Leads Africa SLA Masterclasses    Let's Hang Out! Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks Website - www.thoseafricanchicks.com  Edited & Produced – Podcast Maven Music - Nice To You - YT Aud

I once read that art is important because it is the vehicle through which we see the world differently…helping alter perspectives. As an avid appreciator of art, I had to have Alice Gbelia on to the show after stumbling on her website on Saturday afternoon. Alice Gbelia of Ayok’a Deco is Ivorian-Parisian woman who is committed to ensuring that we see black art in a different light by making it valuable and accessible to all.    In this episode, we talk about growing up in a very segregated France. How moving to London, provided a new perspective on a humanness and blackness and the birth Ayok’a Deco the online destination for black art.   Connect with Alice Instagram - @ayokadeco Website – Ayok’a Deco   Lets Hang Out! Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks Website - www.thoseafricanchicks.com   Edited & Produced – Podcast Maven Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library

In taking a scan of how we work and why we work. I have found that a lot of us tend to be so in love with our ideas and talent that it prevents us from taking the necessary pivots . Often times because we do not see the direct correlation with the pivot to our end goal.  This is why Geoffrey Owens's story is so remarkable; as social media continues to solidify itself as a part of our everyday lives we continue to see the push for digital influencers. Which in practicality we cannot all be right?! despite what social media might have us believe. Being able to see someone who has had a thriving career having to do a seemingly "menial" job helps redefine how young people observe and think about the importance of work and working.  I believe it is  important for us to continue to see and hear about stories like this to show how we must be resourceful and humble in our journeys as human beings; and to help us gain perspective on life and livelihood.   Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks Website - www.thoseafricanchick

  LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE – Apple Podcast   Eating well can sometimes feel like a difficult feat and these days, there seems to be more pressure with the trends of clean eating and fit lifestyles. That is why I wanted to catch up with Obi Aniedo. Obi is the founder of Live & Blossom a Lagos based café that is committed to introducing a wholesome lifestyle and livinin Lagos. Live & Blossom serves meals, desserts and baked goods sourced from natural premium products. In this episode we talk about:   Developing a healthy relationship with food Healthy and clean African Cuisine Overcoming An Eating disorder   Connect with Obi Instagram - @liveandblossom Website –Live and Blossom Address  - Block 126, Plot 11, Bunmi Olowude St, On T.F Kuboye St, Lekki,  Lagos, Nigeria   Edited & Produced - Mude Productions Music - Deep Hat, YT Music Library

Back from my temporary hiatus, I explain why I was gone, how a certain experience I had robbed me of my creativity, peace of mind and to a certain extent joy.  I share learning from this, which for me is the realization that forgiveness was my freedom.  I share bit about next week's guest, who is known for bringing the idea of whole foods and wholesome living to Lagos long before the social media explosion of clean eating.  Come hang out with us on instagram @thoseafricanchicks Remember to be fearless and live your truth.    

Janet is an HR Executive and Expert with more than two decades of proven leadership experience and trusted advisors to C-Suite executives across various industries. I first met Janet, when she invited me to be a part of her docuseries AfriGen and have since been a frequent visitor to her blog Notes From HR where she shares advise and nuggets of wisdom from the inner workings of the dreaded HR. In this episode, we talk about how African Women can and should bring their whole selves to work. We got into details such as   African Accents Non-Verbal Communication Strategies for Career Growth Promotion Request Methods Leadership Competencies How to get meaningful feedback   Connect with Janet Notes From HR Instagram @notesfromhr   PODCAST STORE Affirmation Bracelets & Cuff now available for sale HERE   PRODUCED & EDITED Mastered – Mude Productions Music – Deep Hat, YT Audio Library

Kaz is a Kenyan musician and the host of the Africa's most listened to  Sex Positive Podcast called The Spread . The goal of the podcast is “Making sex a comfortable subject for all” As an African woman who is always thinking and talking about intimacy, sex and sexual identity, Kaz was someone I had to have on the show. Our cultures in Africa are known for putting such unbelievable confines on who we are and how we must be. So much so that at different periods in our lives we are expected to be varying degrees of sexual all for the satisfaction of the patriarchy from which we come. My conversation with Kaz pokes at so much of the topics she covers on her show spanning touchpoints like   How does an African Woman view her sexual experience and sexuality Polygamy the umbrella that holds Polyandry, Polyamory, Polygeny ; how the younger generations views these versus our predecessors see them How to approach the experience of sex and other sexual activities Manifestation through Masturbation; setting your inten

Rashidat Oyegunle is an entrepreneur who is committed to connecting Tailors to their clients in a meaningful way. Her company Tailoring Needs is an online platform that serves as medium to connect Clients with a large pool of custom-wear Tailors around the world. Their mission is to connect you to the nearest custom – wear tailor in your area, make that process hella easy and create a community where people can easily share their service experiences.   Subscribe To The Show by Clicking Here   TOPIC DISCUSSED How to Effectively Validate a business The ONE thing she wished she knew about starting a business before she started How being an African Woman has Informed this venture Dolly Skeppings – Self Taught Millennial Fashion Designer   ON SOCIAL MEDIA    Instagram – Tailoring Needs Website – Tailoring Needs    PODCAST STORE  Affirmation Bracelets & Cuff now available for sale HERE   PRODUCED & EDITED Mastered – Mude Productions Music – Deep Hat, YT Audio Library

In this episode, I catch up with Ugandan bag designer Sarah Nakintu. She migrated to the United States in 2005 where she attended Columbia University in New York. Sarah shares her journey from working at the United Nations then Google, later AOL and now Designing Luxury Handbags. In our conversation, we go into details of where the idea for Kintu New York was born. She shares her creative process, cost of production, pricing but more importantly how she is challenging this narrow lens through which people view what an African inspired product is.  She’s decided to go against the grain of using Ankara or Maasai fabric and other archetypical African emblems and is consciously choosing to re-present African inspired luxury in a new way.    Subscribe To The Show by Clicking Here   TOPIC DISCUSSED Transition from corporate to entrepreneurship How to decide on what kind of business to start and grow Factors to consider when deciding how to price products Cost of production in creating a product Getting to know yo

Bidemi Zakariya is the founder of LSF|PR, one of the fastest growing full service PR agencies in Nigeria. More recently, she launched Luxe Digest, a Pan African content creation platform committed to high quality informational resource on African luxury. She has been awarded a number of prestigious awards like SME100 25 under 25, 100 Most Influential Leading Ladies in Africa amongst others; presently sits on the board of Rele Art Gallery. I thoroughly enjoyed talking and learning from Bidemi, our conversation spanned everything from the politics of business in Nigeria, to understanding the cultural nuances of operating a woman led business on the continent. She is definitely one too keep an eye on #quietpowerhousees     Subscribe To The Show by Clicking Here   TOPIC DISCUSSED Learning how to run a business while still in school How and what kinds of businesses you can start with the equivalent of $100/N3000 in Nigeria How to get your first client What to look out for before engaging a client Understanding t

Tobi Oredein is the Founder of Black Ballad; after having worked at some of UK’s leading magazines, she started the online publication out of the frustration of lack lack of and misrepresentation of Black British women. Black Ballad is a social enterprise committed to retelling and elevating the human experience of Black women in the United Kingdom. As the pioneering platform of its niche, the journey has been arduous BUT Rewarding & Necessary. In our conversation, we talk about some of the expected and unexpected challenges of running a niche that has no template to follow. We also go into the impetus of the business pivot from an open source to a paid membership and so much more.      TOPIC DISCUSSED History of Slavery in UK Cécile Kyenge, Congoleese Italian Minister of Integration Black Disabled Woman’s Experience Being Black and Woke – understanding that being woke is a journey , be careful not to criticize Black culture being used as a tool for commerce Jill Is Black Challenges and triumps of pio